Discovering the Land of Centenarians

Ogliastra is one of the 5 “World Blue Zones”, which are those areas of the world that have the highest presence of centenarians in relation to the population. Research is still ongoing on the genetics of the local population in an attempt to discover the “youth gene”. Regardless of the existence of this gene, among what affects Ogliastra’s population longevity there are factors that sometimes do not receive due attention: an active lifestyle, a balanced diet and the availability of natural resources. The profound knowledge of the latter, handed down over the centuries and millennia, has made it possible to exploit them for food, healing and more. The consequence is that our grandparents were able to live a life in balance with nature and obtain, even if at the price of so much effort, the benefit of longevity and health.

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The route of this hike takes place mainly on a plain terrain with a slight gradient in the central part. It is suitable for all those who are in good health condition and have no disabilities or moving impediment. The walk (track and cart track) goes through the peculiar vegetation composed of trees and shrubs including oaks, junipers, carob trees, olive trees, mastic and myrtle and cistus but also herbs typical of the Mediterranean scrub such as lavender, rosemary, teucrium marum and stachis glutinosa, only to mention a few.

A walk where the mountain is kissed by the sea and where the flowing waters of the stream have carved out the bear rock to create a spectacular theatre of natural pools where it will be possible to find refreshment from the summer heat.

Thus, we will discover the anecdotes, history, culture and traditions the centenarians have handed down to us.

Route details:

Path length: 6 km
Total walk: about 6 hours
Gradient: +/- 80 m
Lowest/Highest point: 1m/80m asl
Difficulty: E – easy (suitable for everyone)

Transport:

Own car (but it is also possible to arrange pick-up at your hotel, resort or B&B if needed)

Meeting place and time:

08:30 am at Piazza Fra’ Locci – Tortolì
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/4JUeusypJxNYdF5C6
Alternative meeting point may be arranged.

The appropriate toolkit a responsible hiker should bring along:

Hiking shoes with ankle support
Comfortable and layered clothing suitable for the season
A waterproof jacket
At least 1.5 litres of water per person
Packed lunch, fresh fruit, snack
A bag to take away any waste (we don’t take anything, we don’t leave anything)
Swimsuit and towel to dry (for those wishing to take a short swim)
Change of clothes to be left in the car
The will to spend a nice day in good company

Also, in the warmer months, it will be important to bring along:
Sun protection lotion
A shading hat
Mineral salt supplements

Guide:

This hike is led by Gianfranco Comida, registered as a professional Hiking and Nature interpreting Guide with the Region of Sardinia (n. 799) and with the AIGAE national register (SA496). The guide is covered by third party liability but each participant is responsible for their own insurance cover, which is normally included in their travel insurance.

How to Book:

This excursion runs every Wednesday from May to October. Contact us to find out about prices. This excursion can also be offered as a private experience for a group of any size upon request.

The excursion is subject to a minimum and maximum number of participants. For this reason, a reservation is necessary. In case of severe weather conditions, the excursion could undergo variations or be cancelled. Should this happen, you will be duly informed.